The phrase “looking a little green around the edges” used to have a negative connotation, but for years “going green” has been something not only desirable for consumers and companies, but also something backed strongly by governmental regulations.

During President Obama’s time in office, the Environmental Protection Agency enacted standards for strict fuel economy and reducing greenhouse gases. Environmental groups feel better fuel economy would not only save consumers billions of dollars, but would also push vehicles to be more efficient, slashing pollution.

Watchful eyes are on the Trump administration, as the EPA plans to take a different route, reviewing the 2022-2025 standards set in place at the end of the Obama administration. The EPA plans to open the door for comments from the auto industry and other affected persons, paving the way for potential changes or relaxations to the current measures.

With so much uncertainty, you can rest assured that your Trinity Logistics team is staying on top of the latest changes in the industry, encouraging our carrier network to participate, and finding the answers for you.

Going green is something that is important to our company. That’s why we take measures to stay in check!

EPA SmartWay

The Environmental Protection Agency’s SmartWay program helps companies advance supply chain sustainability by measuring, benchmarking, and improving freight transportation efficiency. Since 2008, Trinity has proudly participated in this federal initiative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution created by freight transportation.

The SmartWay partnership is a way for shippers, carriers, logistics companies, railyways, and other transportation stakeholders to measure, benchmark, and improve logistics operations to reduce their carbon footprint.

More than 3,000 companies and organizations are now a part of SmartWay. Since 2004, it has helped its partners save 170.3 million barrels of oil, which is equivalent to eliminating the annual energy use in over six million homes.

To maintain our SmartWay partnership, we report our annual freight and emissions activity to the EPA, and demonstrate commitment to constantly improve our efficiency.

Responsible Care

Trinity Logistics became part of the Responsible Care Partnership in 2009, furthering our commitment to the hazmat chemical industry we’ve served since 2002. We’ve strategically developed operating procedures in line with the key principles of Responsible Care, to ensure the safe arrangement of chemical shipments. Through Responsible Care, we commit to improve company performance through community awareness and emergency response, security, distribution, employee health and safety, pollution prevention, and process and product safety.

Intermodal (rail) Shipping

If freight isn’t extremely time sensitive, intermodal shipping is an excellent, eco-friendly alternative to truckload shipping. We have an entire team dedicated to arranging rail shipments, and encouraging our many loyal customers to consider sending some of their freight via this mode.

According to the Association of American Railroads, trains are on average four times more fuel efficient than trucks, reducing highway gridlock, lowering greenhouse gas emissions, and reducing pollution. In 1980, railroads in the United States moved a ton of freight an average of 235 miles per gallon. That same ton of freight per gallon will go an average of 273 miles today, up 101 percent. Read their full report here.

Top Green Provider for 2016

In 2016, we were named to Food Logistics Top Green Provider list, which recognizes companies whose products, services, or exemplary leadership is enhancing sustainability within the food and beverage industry. We have entered again for 2017 and hope to continue boosting our green initiatives, so we can reduce our carbon footprint.